Hi y'all! After four years in Austin, I moved to Houston in July 2012 to start my dream job with NASA, helping send stuff (and people) into space. I'm having fun exploring both the Clear Lake area and downtown Houston (I drive in pretty frequently), and I'm always open to new suggestions for stuff to do!

I come from a loud, close-knit Southern family where teasing is considered a form of affection. I banter outrageously with the people closest to me, but it's all in good fun - despite the teasing, I'm fiercely loyal to those I care about and always happy to help out if needed. I'm very independent (so no worries if you have a crazy work schedule!), very easygoing, and enjoy a good adventure. I'll drive out to the middle of nowhere at 3AM to watch a meteor shower, but I'm also happy staying in with a good book or movie or sports game. I'm sort of an Ivy League redneck, equally comfortable dressing up for a classy night on the town or throwing on jeans to check out a local dive bar, or do some hiking or camping. I freely admit to being a bit nerdy – it kinda comes with the territory for an engineer. I have a dry, sarcastic sense of humor, but I’m also a sucker for the completely absurd (think Monty Python or Mel Brooks). I try not to take life (or myself) too seriously, because that’s just not as much fun.

What I’m doing with my life

Living! Working hard when I'm at work, and playing hard when I'm not.

I’m really good at

Argentine tango (bet you weren't expecting that one!) Also cooking, or so I've been told. Anything else you'll have to find out for yourself!

The first things people usually notice about me

Hm, I guess you'd have to ask them. When I lived in the Northeast and Midwest, it was my accent, but that doesn't really stand out here in Texas! Possibly my inability to tell a story without waving my hands around dramatically... even if I'm telling the story over the phone.

Favorite books, movies, shows, music, and food

There are so, so many (in all of these categories) that this list would never stay current. I will say, though, that my favorite song to tango to is Metallica's "Nothing Else Matters". I also have a big weakness for cheesecake.

The six things I could never do without

Honestly, I could survive without most things if I absolutely had to... but that's not really the point of this section, so here are 6 things I'd be very upset to have to do without:

My family and friends, my crazy cat, a good pair of running shoes, books, music, and college football (Roll Tide!)

I spend a lot of time thinking about

My next trip and/or race, fun things to do on the weekends, new food and cocktail recipes to try.

On a typical Friday night I am

Typical is boring. :)

The most private thing I’m willing to admit

Willing to admit online? Well, sometimes I make up silly songs and sing them to my cat.

You should message me if

Pfft, I'm not going to tell you what to do. If you want to message me, go for it!